Iran on Monday denied involvement in a suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by the United States. Counter-terror police said the five men arrested nearby are all London-based Britons, as investigators probe possible Iranian links to Sunday's security scare.
Did Iran deny involvement in the UK airbase bomb plot?
Yes. Iran's embassy in London said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" speculation that Tehran was involved. In a post on X, it criticized "the recent unfounded and malicious speculations" by some British individuals and media outlets. Police have not confirmed the details of the threat.
Tehran's denial followed widespread UK media reports that police were investigating possible Iranian links to the incident. The UK interior ministry has previously accused Iran and Russia of using proxies to carry out criminal activities on UK territory.
Who are the five men arrested near RAF Fairford?
Police said the five men, aged 25, 24, 24, 24 and 23, are all UK nationals who live in inner London boroughs. They have been detained since Sunday on suspicion of explosives offences and "preparation of a terrorist act" under UK anti-terrorism laws.
Counter-terror police secured an extension of their custody until later Monday. Police said they are working to establish the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested, their knowledge and any motivation behind the incident.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans acknowledged "the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident." She asked that Counter Terrorism Policing be given "the space to work carefully and clearly."
What happened at RAF Fairford on Sunday?
Authorities were tipped off early Sunday about three "suspicious" white vans appearing to head towards the base in Gloucestershire, southwest England. Counter-terror police are leading the investigation. Authorities have not confirmed the details of the threat, but bomb-disposal experts were seen at work at the scene.
A farmer living in the village of Whelford said she called police after seeing three white vans blocking a road and a group of masked men. The anonymous woman told media on Monday that police had "dropped the ball" on the threat. UK defense minister Wes Streeting said she had only a "partial picture."
Around 85 households were evacuated from the village early Sunday and stayed elsewhere overnight while a police cordon remained in place. Local MP Roz Savage called the incident "way too close a shave."
What did Trump say about the suspects?
US President Donald Trump said the UK and US had the suspects "under investigation" for a while. Speaking during a visit to Chicago, he said: "They were looking to do big damage to our fort." He added: "We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."
Trump later told reporters “We know all about them" when asked about the suspects. He appeared to nod when asked if there was a connection to Iran. "You'll be hearing about it very soon. We caught them," he said, without giving further details.
Why is RAF Fairford important to the US and Iran?
In March, Britain gave the US permission to use Fairford for "specific defensive operations into Iran" to destroy Iranian missiles at source. US bombers and other planes have since been seen taking off and landing there. It is the only base on Britain's mainland used for this purpose.
Residents in the rural Cotswolds area said the site, which hosts a range of US military equipment and personnel, had seen increased activity and security in recent months.
Tehran has previously warned London against allowing its bases to be used by the US in operations against Iran. In March, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused London of "putting British lives in danger" by allowing the bases to be used "for aggression against Iran."
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